BOISE, Idaho — A growing number of families throughout Idaho cannot afford diapers. To try and meet demand, the Idaho Diaper Bank gives about 70 to 80,000 diapers per month to dozens of its partners.
"Diaper need is a real thing," Executive Director Traci Lofthus said. "It is a crisis ... you may not know it, but it is there."
To help replenish the diaper bank's warehouse, the West Ada School District is running its annual diaper drive through Oct. 27. Community school liaison Emily Coltrin said the diaper bank helps the district ensure parents can meet their kids' basic needs.
Coltrin said they hope to get 25,000 diapers donated since the diaper bank gave the district that same number of diapers last year.
"We're definitely hoping we hit our goal," she said. "It sounds huge, but I really think that it's possible if we can get the word out and to have families understand the importance and that there is a need even within our West Ada School District that sometimes we're not aware of."
Almost half of babies living in Idaho come from families struggling to make ends meet, Lofthus said. On average, parents and guardians spend more than 1,000 on diapers every year.
There are not a lot of options for families who cannot afford them, she said. Diapers are not included with WIC or SNAP. Diapers are also still taxed as a basic need in Idaho.
"Obviously, there are children in school that are not wearing diapers," Lofthus said. "But there are families that are sending those children to schools that are not in need. If we can alleviate stress by giving them diapers and other needs that they have in the community, that will grow healthier, stronger families and also promote early education."
Coltrin said families in the district struggling to buy diapers should reach out to a school counselor.
The diaper bank mainly needs diapers sized four, five, six and pull-ups. People interested in donating can drop diapers off at Peregrine Elementary, Meridian Elementary, Meridian Middle School, Desert Sage Elementary and McMillan Elementary.
There is also a link to donate money on the diaper bank's website.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.